Formula One returns to the United States

Naturally, performance is key to the Sahara Force India Formula One Team, and also to the IT infrastructure that Internap provides. Well, let me assure you that performance was alive and well this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.

I had the privilege of attending the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas and spending some time in the Sahara Force India garage. Attending a race in person is a completely different experience than watching it on TV. The sound of the engines is absolutely deafening, the speed at which the cars go by is almost impossible to believe and the excitement is physically exhilarating. One might say it is a full body experience in every way, complete with a racing pulse that lasts for hours. By the end of the day, my head hurt, my ears were ringing, my feet throbbed and I had a sunburn. It was absolutely glorious.

The return of Formula One to the United States was truly a spectacle and one of the most exciting races of the season. Lewis Hamilton’s pass of Sebastian Vettel to grab the lead by the scruff of the neck and win the race was thrilling, and assures that all eyes will be on the season-ending race in Brazil this weekend.

With only one race remaining in 2012 and our foray into Formula One complete, I can tell you that I have new respect for everyone involved in this sport. The amount of effort expelled, number of hours worked and miles logged across the globe is staggering. Sure, the drivers get all the glory on the podium, basking in the spotlight and being doused with champagne. But it’s truly a team sport, and it certainly takes an F1 village to make a Grand Prix weekend happen.

Best memories of the weekend? Looking up for the first time at the massive hill into turn one at the circuit. Mind boggling. Watching the drivers on the podium come out wearing big black cowboy hats. Nice touch, Texas! Listening to Paul Di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg and Jules Bianchi talk Formula One in our exclusive Driver Q&A session – priceless.

To learn more about how Sahara Force India leverages Internap’s “performance package” for success, watch this video.